Pilates is an excellent exercise for dancers because it helps move the body to optimum health with a smooth range of flowing movement - while building strength and agility.
But what makes Pilates such a sought-after exercise regimen?
Joseph Hubertus Pilates developed this highly acclaimed restorative exercise system approximately 80 years ago. As a child, Joseph was often prone to illness. He caught many afflictions including Rheumatic Heart Disease. While suffering many of these dreadful afflictions he sought to strengthen himself through physical activity. He later took up boxing, circus performing and also became a gymnast to try to restore his strength and improve his health.
Actually while taking part in these sports, he developed his own style of exercise, which helped him regain his health. The years of regaining his personal strength and health led to him using these same methods on others who were also ill.

During World War I (WWI) while interning in England he worked as a nurse in the hospital implementing his strict exercise system on the patients who were ill. And during this time Spanish influenza took over the lives of many. However, the patients under Joseph’s care survived the disease, which brought the attention of many leaders - specifically Hitler who requested his services to train his troops. However, Joseph declined and continued his exercise system to restore the health and fitness of his patients.
Joseph later left England to start a new life in America. It is here that he met his wife Clara who at the time, was a trained nurse. They later married and opened up their own studio using the skills they had acquired over the years - specifically Joseph’s successful fitness exercise program. He and his wife helped restore the bodies of regular citizens who flocked to their studio, but became even more recognized as the two who could restore the bodies of dancers and theatre workers. They helped many with injuries, rehabilitation, general fitness and posture.

At the time, Joseph also developed several pieces of equipment that were very effective at improving the flexibility, strength and stability of his patients. The word spread rapidly about their studio and Pilates slowly became known for what it is today - one of the safest and most effective ways at obtaining optimal health and fitness.
That is why many movie stars like Madonna, Daisy Fuentes, Julia Roberts and Brooke Shields have praised its effectiveness. Well, actually you can see the effectiveness of Pilates by simply looking at the physiques of these beautiful celebrities. Pilates helps maintain the shapes of these movie stars by integrating body and mind.

The execution of simple, yet small repetitions of exercise over the common repeated exercise repetitions make Pilates a unique yet effective way to restore the body to the best level of health and fitness. It’s a refreshing and therapeutic way to add flexibility and strength to your body while improving your posture.
Want longer, leaner muscles? Pilates is a must for both fitness enthusiasts and those looking for a new way to get in shape. Dancers will definitely find it one of the best workout routines to build strength and agility, which are essential to dance.

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It’s a common misconception that Pilates method exercise is really only good for strengthening and stretching the core muscles of the body. Many people use it to tone their abs and improve their posture but, in reality, Pilates can do much more than that. In fact, when combined with an aerobic “cardio” exercise component (e.g., jogging or Spinning) Pilates can provide you with a fantastic full-body conditioning workout!

Pilates Exercises for Strength-Training

Many Pilates exercises are great muscle-toners that work large muscle groups beyond just the abs and lower back. The Plank position, for example, effectively works the chest and triceps muscle groups. Leg kicks work the glute and hamstring muscles very well. Free squats are one of the best lower-body exercises around, working the quadriceps, the hamstrings, and the glutes. And don’t think these are “sissy” strength-training exercises. Many of the world’s top martial artists practice them on a daily basis to toughen their bodies and reduce the chance of getting hurt.

Pilates Equipment

When it comes to workout equipment, it’s hard to beat Pilates devices like the Reformer and Wunda chair. Not only do they stretch and strengthen muscles — providing great full-body conditioning — but they “teach” you how to use the different parts of your body together efficiently. Efficient body movement is a key to great overall fitness, injury prevention, and high-level sports performance. Portable Pilates equipment like resistance bands and the Pilates circle are also effective fitness tools. They’re inexpensive, easy to travel with, and can easily be incorporated into many of your current muscle-conditioning routines for increased benefits.

Mind-Muscle Benefits

The muscle-control and mental-focus gained from doing Pilates on a regular basis can help you in all areas of fitness. This is one reason why so many professional athletes are now taking Pilates classes. Few exercise system help you to coordinate your mind and body as well as Pilates. The benefits of this coordination are increased strength, improved posture, alleviation of pain, improved mental focus, and (obviously) improved physical coordination… to name just a few!

Putting It All Together

Simply put, Pilates exercise is a highly-effective method of total-body conditioning. No, it won’t put slabs of new muscle on your body. But it will make the muscle you have look great, while providing an array of benefits that typical weight-training can’t give you. Throw in some good cardio training and you’ve got a complete solution for great fitness and health!

Jamie Clark is a fitness expert, researcher, and “health nut” who enjoys Pilates exercise and writes for PilatesMethodExercise.com. For more great Pilates exercise articles visit: http://www.pilatesmethodexercise.com/blog/category/pilates-articles/

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If you turn on the television after midnight you’ll notice that the infomercials for diets, fitness equipment and exercise tapes are becoming more and more popular. Do any of these systems really deliver what they promise?

Winsor Pilates is one of the many exercise systems advertised through infomercials, and one of the biggest sellers. With celebrity endorsements from the likes of Daisy Fuentes and Madonna, it’s hard to resist the infomercial and not pick up the phone.

Pilates was developed as a rehabilitative program for injured dancers by Joseph Pilates. The basic premise is that by strengthening the core muscles and increasing flexibility the body will become toned and more coordinated. Dancers have used the system for years, and it is now catching on with the rest of the fitness community. Most users report increased flexibility, coordination, a lengthening of muscles and a much stronger “core”.

The floor exercises featured in the tapes all work together to strengthen the abdominal muscles and back, called the “core” in this system. Each movement involves these important muscle groups, and the results are fantastic. Not only do the abdominal muscles become more toned, but the entire midsection is strengthened. The results are less likelihood of injury and increased performance in other fitness activities. A stronger back is a less painful back. The pilates moves are also good for toning the legs and buttocks.

The moves are slow and deliberate, requiring not only physical exertion but concentration as well. Ensuring that you are performing the moves correctly actively involves the mind, causing us to focus on the movements of our bodies. This inevitably reduces stress. In this way, pilates is similar to yoga. Many users report feeling refreshed and relaxed after the workout, not tired.

Mari Winsor’s presentation of the pilates system is excellent. She is careful to explain each move in great detail so that the beginner can follow along and do the movements in proper form. Most beginners will be discouraged after their first session, but after the second or third the movements will not seem so difficult.

The exercises are useful and effective for core strengthening. You won’t see pounds just melt away, however, unless you combine the workouts with a sensible eating plan. Mari includes one for your reference, but you can use this system with the weight loss program you’re already on to help accelerate results.

Of course, you may want to check with your doctor before starting any exercise program. However, Winsor Pilates is non-aerobic but effective in toning and strengthening the core of your body and may help you lose inches as well. Winsor Pilates is well worth a try.

Jay Moncliff is the founder of http://www.pilatesreviews.info a website specialized on Winsor Pilates, resources, and articles. This site provides updated information on Winsor Pilates. For more info visit his site: Winsor Pilates

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